Ever since the housing bubble collapsed, many homeowners’ stance about lifestyle has transitioned from owning a house towards discovering living options that are less risky financially. Others choose to reside in a smaller space because it gives them freedom of movement or is close to work.
Whatever the reason to downsize, tackling the cleaning, organizing, moving and the myriad of other responsibilities is a major challenge. In addition, sorting through years of family memories and possessions can leave you overwhelmed.
Luckily, there are ways to downsize your home without cramping your lifestyle.
Know Your New Living Space
If you don’t research your options, you may get locked into a living space that you can’t afford or doesn’t meet your expectations, and the end result is another move. Downsizing decisions usually revolve around condos, micro homes, apartments and motor homes. However, less space doesn’t necessarily mean fewer expenses. Living spaces in redeveloped centers with urban amenities and modern RVs require homeowners to pay a hefty cost upfront.
That’s why knowing the process of financing a motorhome and other smaller living spaces is a viable consideration. There are companies that offer loans for any price range, and inform you whether you’re approved, quickly. Also, some firms can give you excellent loan rates and flexible payment terms on certain living options like a motorhome due to the high volume of financing they do with banks
When It Comes To Your Belongings, Plan Ahead
Make a list of everything you consider essential, so that you don’t make an effort to pack and move unnecessary items. For instance, most homeowners don’t need a plethora of spoons and are unlikely to get teary-eyed over having to leave behind a second mixing bowl. For apartments and condos, things like lawn mowers and snow shovels may not be needed. Photo prints can be digitized. The average downsize can be managed with one-half to one-third of your possessions.
And if your new place is already furnished, check in advance to see what belongings would be fine to leave behind. The usual items in a furnished living space include major things like tables, desks, sofas, beds, cooking stoves, kitchen cabinets, chairs, washing machine, bathroom essentials and refrigerators. The things you don’t need can be recycled, donated or sold. Your bathroom essentials could occupy someone else’s sink if you don’t want them; consider selling them online or give them to a shelter. If you’re downsizing your home at 55 or an older age, you can view this as a great time to reduce the amount of clutter you own!
Minimize Your Hobbies, but Don’t Sacrifice
If you have hobbies that you enjoy, allocate space for a few of them in your new home. Some hobbies can’t be transferred to a space like a motorhome easily, but there are inventive ways to carry out your hobbies while living a location independent lifestyle. All you need is the basic supplies to carry them out.
For instance, hobbies like painting and wood craving are portable and require a small set of tools. In addition, they can be shared in campgrounds if you’re living in an in an RV community. You can also set aside a small room for hobbies like painting and dancing. And to avoid separation anxiety with the rest of your hobbies, do consider helping your friends develop them. For instance, give your ping pong table to a relative or friend who will appreciate it and enjoy playing.
These tips will ensure that you have a trouble-free downsizing experience.
